The history of the Malaspina family and their places is rooted in the area of Massa-Carrara and Lunigiana. Indeed, the noble family has played a crucial role in the history and development of the region, influencing its culture, politics and economy for centuries.
The pivotal moment in the history of the Malaspina family dates back to 1221. Indeed, following the tradition of some noble families, the Malaspina implemented a system of inheritance based on the Salica Law, which provided for the division of property only among all male heirs. In that year, their territories were divided along the Magra River, which became a natural boundary: lands located on the left of the river were assigned to Obizzino, marquis of Filattiera, while those on the right, including Villafranca, passed to Corrado, marquis of Mulazzo. The division established geographical and political boundaries and, more importantly, also the beginning of two distinct branches of the Malaspina family, each with its own domain and influence in the region: the Flowering Spino and the Dry Spino.
The Malaspina branch of the Spino Secco established its main position in the castle of Mulazzo, from which it exercised control over important towns in the region that included: Pontremoli, Massa, Carrara, and Sarzana. Pontremoli, for example, was a key crossroads for trade and communication between the north and south of the Italian peninsula, while Massa and Carrara were known for their natural resources, particularly Carrara marble, prized for its quality. In the area, the family contributed to the development and fortification of the city, making it an important political and at the same time artistic center. On the other hand, the Malaspina branch of the Spino Fiorito maintained its power in the castle of Fosdinovo, ruling over Aulla and Fivizzano. The castle, strategically located on a hill, became a symbol of the family’s wealth and later also the scene of the affair of the young Bianca Maria Aloisia, condemned to death for an impossible love. Despite the legends related to the girl’s fate, the Malaspina castle in Fosdinovo has always been renowned for its hospitality. The tradition dates back more than nine centuries, when pilgrims from afar found refuge in its rooms. Today, the Malaspina territories continue to attract visitors interested in exploring the castles, villages, works and, above all, the history of the noble family. Their legacy remains central to the identity of the lands, bearing witness to the Malaspina’s impact on the country.
The Malaspina, its castles and history are also linked to figures such as Dante Alighieri, who spent a significant period in the castle of Mulazzo in 1306. During his stay in Lunigiana, the poet acted as ambassador for the marquises of Mulazzo and Giovagallo, negotiating the Peace of Castelnuovo with the Bishops Counts of Luni. The historical episode is of particular relevance as it demonstrates the diplomatic importance of the family and their important influence in the region. During his stay, Dante apparently began writing the 8th canto of the Divine Comedy. The detail is reported by Giovanni Boccaccio: a nephew of Dante, searching in a chest, found the first seven cantos of the poem and sent them to the poet at that time in Lunigiana. The request to the Malaspina family was simple: encourage him to continue his work.
Indeed, the poem contains references to the Malaspina family. In the Antipurgatorio, Dante meets Corrado Il Giovane among the negligent princes and asks about the situation in the Val di Magra. The literary encounter also testifies to the poet’s respect and admiration for the Malaspina family who hosted him in his stay. Their hospitality and their role in supporting Dante’s work were fundamental to the poet and the influence they had. Their importance thus left an indelible imprint on the history of Massa, Carrara and Lunigiana.